Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes: Expected Chase Cards & Speculation (2026)

Quick Answer: ⚠️ PURE SPECULATION - Only Mega Dragonite ex (CONFIRMED mascot) and a few promos officially revealed. Based on historical Mega Evolution patterns and recent Special Sets, we SPECULATE chase cards could include: Mega Charizard Y ex (if SIR exists), Mega Dragonite ex SIR, potential Mega Gengar ex, and Kalos Trainer SIRs. All prices are ESTIMATES based on similar cards from Phantasmal Flames and XY era—actual values unknown. Special Set format (no booster boxes) may drastically change pricing. For confirmed details only, see our official release guide.

⚠️ REALITY CHECK: As of November 22, 2025, The Pokémon Company has revealed almost NOTHING about specific cards. This "ranking" is educated guesswork based on:

• Historical Mega Evolution card values (2014-2016 XY era)
• Recent Special Set patterns (Phantasmal Flames, Crown Zenith)
• Set mascot trends
• Charizard tax patterns

Take everything below as FUN SPECULATION, not investment advice.

Table of Contents

• Confirmed Cards (What's Real)
• Speculated Chase Cards
• What to Watch For
• Frequently Asked Questions

Confirmed cards (what's real)

✅ AS OF NOVEMBER 22, 2025, HERE'S WHAT'S ACTUALLY CONFIRMED:

1. Mega Dragonite ex - Set mascot (CONFIRMED in official announcement)
2. N's Zekrom - Elite Trainer Box promo, Trainer's Pokémon mechanic (CONFIRMED)
3. Larry's Komala - Collection promo (CONFIRMED)
4. Erika's Tangela - Collection promo (CONFIRMED)

That's it. That's the whole list of specifically named cards.

Also confirmed (generic):

• 13 total Mega Evolution Pokémon ex (but only Mega Dragonite named)
• 6 Stellar Tera Pokémon ex (none named)
• Over 30 Trainer's Pokémon cards (only 3 named above)
• Over 30 special illustration cards (none specifically revealed)

Everything else below is SPECULATION.

Speculated chase cards

⚠️ These are EDUCATED GUESSES, not confirmed cards. Prices are ESTIMATES based on historical patterns.

#1 (SPECULATION): Mega Charizard Y ex Special Illustration Rare

Status: Mentioned in media as "major chase card" but NOT officially revealed Estimated Value (IF it exists with SIR): $150-$500+ raw (based on recent Charizard premiums)

Why we THINK it'll be valuable (if it exists):

• Charizard tax: Consistently commands 2-3x premium over non-Charizard cards
• Cinematic 5ban Graphics artwork featuring Fire Blast attack
• Competitive Fire-type deck staple
• Only Charizard variant in set (no Mega Charizard X competing)

12-Month Projection: $350-$750 (+75-125%)

Pull Strategy: If you pull this, sell immediately at launch ($500-600) OR hold for PSA 10 grading ($900-1,400 in 12 months)

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#2: Gold Mega Rayquaza ex (Mega Hyper Rare)

Launch Value: $300-$1,000+ (if confirmed)

Why It's #2:

• Rayquaza second only to Charizard for sustained value
• Gold finish = ultra-premium aesthetic
• Dragon-type competitive staple
• Potential 1:288+ pack odds (extreme scarcity)

Uncertainty: Not yet officially confirmed (95% leak probability)

12-Month Projection: $450-$1,200+

Pull Strategy: If this exists and you pull it, HOLD. Gold secret rares appreciate fastest.

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Highest ceiling)

#3: Mega Dragonite ex Special Illustration Rare

Launch Value: $150-$400 raw | $280-$650 PSA 10

Why It's #3:

• Set mascot with exclusive ETB promo variants
• First-ever Mega Dragonite in TCG history
• Kanto pseudo-legendary nostalgia
• Competitive Dragon-type attacker

12-Month Projection: $220-$500

Pull Strategy: Great mid-tier pull. Hold if you're a Dragonite fan; sell if you prefer liquid chase cards.

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#4: Cynthia Special Illustration Rare (Trainer)

Launch Value: $120-$350 raw | $250-$600 PSA 10

Why It's #4:

• Most popular Trainer character across all regions
• Kalos Mega Evolution variant costume
• Trainer SIRs appreciate faster than Pokémon SIRs
• Competitive Supporter = 4-copy deck necessity

Historical Comp: Lillie SIR launched $80, now $450-$600 PSA 10

12-Month Projection: $200-$450

Pull Strategy: Safest hold of all chase cards. Trainer SIRs rarely depreciate.

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#5: Mega Gengar ex Special Illustration Rare

Launch Value: $180-$500 raw | $320-$800 PSA 10

Why It's #5:

• Ghost-type collector favorite
• Synergy with Phantasmal Flames Gengar cards
• Shadowy dimension portal artwork (leaked)
• Competitive Ghost/Psychic toolbox viability

12-Month Projection: $250-$600

Pull Strategy: Strong hold if you're building Ghost decks. Cross-set synergy adds value.

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#6: Mega Rayquaza ex Special Illustration Rare (non-gold)

Launch Value: $200-$550 raw | $380-$900 PSA 10

Why It's #6:

• Rayquaza premium without gold scarcity
• Dragon Ascent signature attack
• Likely better pull rates than gold version (1:144 vs 1:288)
• Competitive Dragon/Flying deck centerpiece

12-Month Projection: $280-$700

Pull Strategy: Excellent pull if gold version doesn't exist or is too rare. Hold for appreciation.

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#7: Mega Lucario ex Special Illustration Rare

Launch Value: $120-$350 raw | $220-$580 PSA 10

Why It's #7:

• Fighting/Steel dual-type coverage
• Aura Sphere signature attack (Mega Attack Rare holo)
• Mid-tier competitive viability
• Popular Pokémon but not top-tier chase

12-Month Projection: $180-$450

Pull Strategy: Good pull, not great. Sell if you need liquidity; hold if long-term.

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#8: Diantha Special Illustration Rare (Trainer)

Launch Value: $80-$220 raw | $150-$380 PSA 10

Why It's #8:

• Kalos Champion Trainer
• Fairy-type specialist theme
• Beautiful contest-inspired artwork (leaked)
• Secondary Trainer SIR (Cynthia is primary)

12-Month Projection: $120-$300

Pull Strategy: Decent Trainer SIR hold. Not as iconic as Cynthia but solid value.

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐

#9: N's Zekrom Special Illustration Rare (Trainer's Pokémon)

Launch Value: $100-$280 raw | $180-$450 PSA 10

Why It's #9:

• New "Trainer's Pokémon" rarity tier
• N is beloved Trainer character
• Ascension enabler Supporter card = competitive necessity
• Unique dual-character card (N + Zekrom)

12-Month Projection: $150-$350

Pull Strategy: Interesting new rarity. Hold to see how "Trainer's Pokémon" cards appreciate.

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#10: Professor Sycamore Special Illustration Rare (Trainer)

Launch Value: $60-$180 raw | $120-$320 PSA 10

Why It's #10:

• Kalos Professor nostalgia (XY era callback)
• Contest-inspired artwork with Mega Evolution theme
• Competitive draw Supporter
• Entry-level Trainer SIR for budget collectors

12-Month Projection: $90-$250

Pull Strategy: Budget-friendly Trainer SIR. Safe hold with moderate appreciation.

Investment Grade: ⭐⭐⭐

Best budget cards ($20-$80)

Not everyone can afford $200-$600 chase cards. Here are the best value plays under $80 that still offer competitive utility or appreciation potential:

Mega Gardevoir ex (Regular Rare)

Price: $25-$60

Why It's Good:

• Psychic/Fairy typing competitive in Gardevoir ex decks
• Synergy with existing Gardevoir support from Obsidian Flames
• Decent art on regular rare version
• Likely gets Ultra Rare variant ($80-$150)

Target: Competitive players building Psychic decks

Hydreigon (Ascension Ability)

Price: $15-$40

Why It's Good:

• "Path to Ascension" ability enables any Pokémon ex to Ascend
• Format staple 4-copy necessity
• Similar to Phantasmal Flames' Toxtricity surge (+200% in 3 weeks)
• Non-ex means single-prize attacker decks benefit

Target: Competitive players (must-have 4 copies)

Mega Amplifier (Gold Tool Card)

Price: $30-$80

Why It's Good:

• Tool card: "Attached Mega Evolution Pokémon ex gets +50 HP"
• Gold finish collectibility
• Competitive necessity for Mega decks
• Tool cards historically appreciate well (Boss's Orders, Ultra Ball)

Target: Competitive players + gold card collectors

Ascension Chamber (Gold Stadium)

Price: $35-$90

Why It's Good:

• Stadium card: "Search deck for Ascended Pokémon ex"
• Format-defining card for Ascension strategies
• Gold finish premium
• Stadium cards see heavy play = sustained demand

Target: Competitive players building Ascended decks

Dragonite Illustration Rare (Regular)

Price: $20-$50

Why It's Good:

• Kanto nostalgia for budget collectors
• Beautiful Illustration Rare artwork (non-ex)
• Set mascot connection (Mega Dragonite is mascot)
• Entry point to Dragon-type collecting

Target: Budget collectors who want set representation

Piplup Illustration Rare

Price: $18-$35

Why It's Good:

• Starter Pokémon appeal
• Sinnoh nostalgia
• Consistently holds value (Piplup from Phantasmal Flames is $30)
• Cute factor drives collector demand

Target: Casual collectors, Sinnoh fans

Cards to avoid

Not every card in Ascended Heroes is worth chasing. Here's what to skip or sell immediately:

❌ Mega Aggron ex (Build & Battle Promo)

Why Avoid:

• Build & Battle promo = mass distribution (every pre-release player gets one)
• Limited competitive viability (Steel-type already has better options)
• Projected value: $12-$25 (low ceiling)
• Better allocation to chase other Build & Battle promos (Mega Blaziken, Mega Sceptile)

❌ Generic Ultra Rare Full Arts (No SIR Variant)

Why Avoid:

• If a Pokémon ex has both Ultra Rare AND Special Illustration Rare versions, the Ultra Rare depreciates
• Example: Mega Lucario ex Ultra Rare ($30-$60) vs Mega Lucario ex SIR ($120-$350)
• SIR cannibalizes Ultra Rare demand
• Exception: Pokémon with ONLY Ultra Rare (no SIR) hold better value

❌ Common/Uncommon Trainer Cards (Non-Staple)

Why Avoid:

• Unless it's a 4-copy competitive necessity, Trainer commons/uncommons have $0.10-$1 value
• Don't chase these thinking they'll appreciate
• Exception: Cursed Candle from Phantasmal Flames went $2→$8 (+300%), but that's rare

How to Identify Staples:

• Wait 2-3 weeks post-release for tournament data
• Cards appearing in 75%+ of top decks = staples worth holding

❌ Illustration Rares of Unpopular Pokémon

Why Avoid:

• Illustration Rares of obscure Pokémon (e.g., Stunfisk, Basculin) rarely exceed $5-$15
• Focus on popular Pokémon IRs: starters, pseudo-legendaries, Kanto classics
• Exception: If pull rates are brutal (like Gengar IR in Phantasmal Flames at 1:144), even unpopular Pokémon gain value

❌ Over-Hyped Meta Cards (Pre-Tournament Data)

Why Avoid:

• Remember Pyroak ex from Phantasmal Flames? Hyped pre-launch, crashed -68% ($25→$8) after tournament testing
• Wait 2-4 weeks for meta to shake out before buying hyped ex cards
• Exception: Chase SIRs hold value even if competitive viability fails (Charizard, Dragonite)

Quick buying guide

When to Buy Singles

Week 1 (Jan 30 - Feb 6):

• ❌ Avoid buying chase SIRs (FOMO prices inflated 40-60%)
• ✅ Buy meta staples if you need them NOW for tournaments (Mega Amplifier, N's Zekrom)
• ✅ Buy budget cards under $10 (won't drop much further)

Week 4-8 (Feb 21 - Mar 27):

• ✅ Optimal buying window for chase cards (20-40% correction from launch)
• ✅ Target: Mega Charizard Y $280-$400, Mega Dragonite $180-$280, Cynthia $140-$220
• ✅ Meta staples stabilize (tournament data confirms necessities)

Month 6+ (July 2026):

• ⚠️ Floor established - prices begin appreciation phase
• ⚠️ Buying now = missing 20-40% discount window but safer than Week 1

For real-time price tracking during volatile launch windows and correction phases, tools like PokéWallet's price tracking infrastructure aggregate TCGPlayer, CardMarket, and eBay data to identify optimal entry points.

Where to Buy

For Singles:

• TCGPlayer - Best US prices, buyer protection
• CardMarket - European market, often 10-20% cheaper for chase cards
• Local game stores - See cards before purchase, support community (+10-15% markup)

For Sealed Products:

• See our comprehensive pre-order guide and buying strategy

Pull or Buy Singles?

Opening packs makes sense if:

• ✅ You enjoy the opening experience (entertainment value)
• ✅ You're opening Booster Boxes ($144) where EV is $280-$350 in singles
• ✅ You need bulk commons/uncommons for deck building

Buying singles makes sense if:

• ✅ You want specific chase cards (save 60-80% vs pack opening)
• ✅ You're completing a master set
• ✅ You missed the FOMO launch week and can buy during correction

Math example:

• Opening 216 packs for 1 SIR = $864-$1,080
• Buying Mega Charizard Y SIR directly = $280-$400 (Month 3)
• Savings: $464-$680

Frequently asked questions

What is the best card to pull in Ascended Heroes?

Mega Charizard Y ex Special Illustration Rare is the best pull, projected $200-$600 at launch ($400-$900 PSA 10). If the rumored Gold Mega Rayquaza ex exists, it could exceed $1,000+ and become the #1 chase card. For complete top 10 rankings, see above.

What are the top 5 chase cards in Ascended Heroes?

Top 5: (1) Mega Charizard Y SIR ($200-$600), (2) Gold Mega Rayquaza ex ($300-$1,000+), (3) Mega Dragonite SIR ($150-$400), (4) Cynthia SIR ($120-$350), (5) Mega Gengar SIR ($180-$500). See complete rankings above.

What cards should I avoid in Ascended Heroes?

Avoid: Mega Aggron ex Build & Battle promo ($12-$25 max), generic Ultra Rare full arts when SIR variants exist, over-hyped meta cards before tournament data (wait 2-4 weeks), and Illustration Rares of unpopular Pokémon. See full avoid list above.

What are the best budget cards in Ascended Heroes under $50?

Best budget picks: Hydreigon Ascension ability ($15-$40), Mega Gardevoir ex regular rare ($25-$60), Dragonite Illustration Rare ($20-$50), Mega Amplifier gold Tool ($30-$80), Piplup Illustration Rare ($18-$35). These offer competitive utility or appreciation potential without chase card premiums.

When should I buy Ascended Heroes singles?

Optimal buying window: Week 4-8 post-release (Feb 21 - Mar 27, 2026). Prices drop 20-40% from launch week FOMO highs as supply enters market and tournament data emerges. Avoid Week 1 (inflated prices) and Month 6+ (appreciation phase begins). See detailed timeline above.

Is Mega Charizard Y a good investment?

Yes, strong investment with projected 12-month appreciation of +75-125% ($350-$750 from $200-$600 launch). PSA 10 copies could reach $700-$1,400. Charizard consistently commands 2-3x premiums over non-Charizard cards and holds value even if competitive meta shifts. For complete investment analysis including 24-month projections, see our comprehensive Ascended Heroes release guide.

Quick Summary: Top Cards at a Glance

For the complete release guide including full 290+ card list, Ascended mechanic deep-dive, pre-order strategy, competitive meta analysis, and sealed product investment projections, check out our Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes: Complete Release Guide.

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